Fresh Store Display Ideas for the Holiday Season

That time of year is fast approaching — the time when consumers flock to shops to buy presents for loved ones. It’s also a time when retailers are swept off their feet with all of the things they need to do to keep their shop functioning over the festive period. That’s why it’s time to start planning your Christmas store displays now. Have everything you need ready so that it doesn’t become an added stress when the Christmas chaos descends.

Here are some ideas to get your Christmas display thoughts whirling:

1. Three layer rule: Get on the vinyls. The three-layer rule is a tactic used by many visual merchandisers — partially because it’s so easy. Essentially, the idea is that there should be three layers of depth to a good window display. This first layer is usually something close to the glass, or even placed on the glass. This is followed by the “main event," often your clothed mannequins or products. Lastly comes your backdrop; this can be either the back of your window display or, if you have an open window, a direct view into your shop. If you customers can see straight into your shop, make sure it stays tidy. There's nothing like the look of chaos to deter a shopper.

Vinyls are an excellent way to give your window display depth, while also turning up the Christmas vibes. They can be applied straight onto the window glass to create the first layer. They can easily be placed delicately in the corners of a window, or used to frame a particular element of your display. Either way, they're a classy, attention-grabbing way to elegantly incorporate snowflakes.

2. Do something unusual with your mannequins. If you’re using mannequins in your display, try to make them look a little different. If you have the budget, consider buying or renting some mannequins that have some unique poses. Don’t forget: a mannequin isn’t just for Christmas! You can, of course, continue to use your new mannequins in your window displays. But as Christmas is a peak time of year for retailers, it's a great time to be firing on all cylinders.

If you don’t fancy changing your mannequins just yet, think about making them look a little more exciting. Perhaps you can dress them a little differently or position them as though they're catching some of your snow decorations.

Whatever you do, aim to present something different to passersby. Shaking things up and creating a more stimulating window display than usual can make an enormous difference to the amount of attention your shop attracts.

3. Choose your store display colors. The temptation at Christmas can be to go wild with festive colors and glitz. Sometimes, the most eye-catching displays are the ones where a beautiful color scheme has been chosen. Generally, displays using two or three colors look the most powerful. Using too many colors can cheapen a display. It can also be useful to stick to only one or two different textures. This will help prevent a display from looking too busy and overcrowded.

Around Christmas time, popular combinations are white and silver décor with strong colored merchandise, or a combination of white, red and gold.

When you're choosing your color ways, try to think about which colors are going to make your merchandise stand out the most. A favorite is to use fake snow to create a delicate white floor. This can then be combined with white snowflake vinyls to give extra depth to your display. Finally, add your mannequins clothed in your best Christmas dresses. Flourishes of fake logs or mistletoe can bring life into the colder looking areas, without detracting from your merchandise.

Ali Newton is a marketing executive for The Display Centre, where a team of creative experts provide shop fittings and display equipment, including bespoke items.